🌱 Wage Increase + Children COVID-19 Hospitalizations Surge

Good morning, Avon and Avon Lake! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Fog in the morning; cloudy. High: 42 Low: 38.

Here are the top stories in Avon and Avon Lake today:

1. New Health Commissioner Appointed For Lorain County: As Lorain County's newly appointed health commissioner, Mark Adams said he and his department will continue to address and tackle COVID-19. (Patch.com)

2. COVID Hospitalizations Among Children Up In OH As Omicron Spreads: Pediatric hospitalizations for COVID-19 are increasing nationwide, including a 5.2 percent increase in Ohio. (Patch.com)

3. Minimum Wage To Increase In Ohio In New Year: Ohio's minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $9.30 on Jan. 1, a slight bump from $8.80 in 2021. (Patch.com)

4. Benefit Concert For OH Singer To Feature Cold Play's Chris Martin: More than 25 musicians will take part in a benefit concert Jan. 7 for an Ohio musician battling a debilitating illness. (Patch.com)

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From my notebook:

• Support Avon Schools: "Work continues on the PAC interior. Here's a peek inside....." (Facebook)
• Avon Lake City Schools: "Enjoy these amazing holiday performances from our Erieview Elementary School students..." (Facebook)
• Avon Lake Public Library: While ALPL is not carrying COVID-19 at-home testing kits, this is a list of other library locations that are currently carrying them. Due to demand for these tests, we highly recommend you call ahead to check availability. For more information on COVID resources, visit the Lorain County Public Health website at https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/ (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Nikki Gaskins